Pools are delighted to announce that Club Captain Ritchie Humphreys is to take on a new and prestigious role leading the development of young footballers in the town.
Humphreys has been busy studying for his UEFA A Licence during the summer and talented young players from Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Manor College of Technology and High Tunstall College will now have the benefit of his experience and expertise.
The three schools have linked up in an ambitious initiative to develop their brightest stars and Humphreys is the man they have appointed to drive the scheme forward.
Humphreys will have a developmental role in coaching PE teachers, taking team training sessions, preparing teams for competitions, providing individual specialist coaching and establishing an elite training squad.
Another key part of the role will see the skipper identify potential players for Hartlepool United in his work which will link-in with the Centre of Excellence which has been based at Manor College for the last fourteen years.
"I was very honoured when I was asked to take this role because it's a big responsibility," Humphreys told Pools Player.
"It's not just about the coaching, because there will be times when weather forces us inside and I'll have to be more of a teacher to them.
"I'm hoping to educate them on phases of play, functional practices within the game, conduct of players and health and nutritional advice too.
"I've got a lot of experience in the game and I'm looking forward to passing that on to them."
Pupils will get the opportunity to work with Humphreys in the classroom and on the training ground - but only if their schoolwork is of the required standard.
"Hopefully it acts as an incentive for them and they can get their heads down during their lessons and the academic side can prosper as well as the football," Humphreys explained.
"I'm excited about the project and I'm very grateful to the Football Club that they have allowed me to spend my spare time in this way.
"In no way will it interfere with my career as a footballer - my focus remains on getting back in the Pools First Team and extending my playing time for as long as possible.
"But the advice is drilled in to you by the PFA from a young age that you need to start thinking about your second career as early as possible and this is something I'm working towards."
Humphreys will spend the equivalent of one day a week working with the three schools and we'll be keeping right up to date on how he progresses in this brand new role.
Look out for an exclusive video interview with Ritchie about his new venture on Pools Player.
